Wireless soil sensor utilizing a RF frequency for performing soil measurements

Abstract

A wireless soil sensor for using a RF frequency for performing soil moisture measurements is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a sensing component integrated directly with a radio and a microcontroller. The wireless soil sensor is designed to be buried underground and to transmit to above ground receivers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 149,692, filed on Feb. 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention is related to a wireless sub-surface sensor having a radio for performing real-time soil measurements.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]The prior art discusses other irrigation systems and methods.[0007]Closing an underground to above ground RF communication link is a challenging task. The challenge is typically due to difficult propagation conditions perpetrated by high water content as well as high conductivity in the soil.[0008]The moisture and conductivity vary over time depending on environmental stimulus. High water content increases the rate of absorption of RF energy. Salinity and m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention solves the problems of previous wireless sub-surface soil sensors by tuning the antenna based on moisture and salinity measurements. By using novel sensors to measure these properties, the antenna can be automatically adjusted to optimize transmission efficiency and range. The resulting RF tuning improves performance across a range of soil moisture levels. This is achieved through a process of measuring and controlling the electrical properties of the soil, which affect the antenna's efficiency and range. By tuning the antenna in this specific way, it is able to maintain a constant impedance magnitude, resulting in a more efficient and effective wireless sensor.

Problems solved by technology

Closing an underground to above ground RF communication link is a challenging task.

The challenge is typically due to difficult propagation conditions perpetrated by high water content as well as high conductivity in the soil.

However, in some instances it may not be possible to overcome the adverse effects of moisture in the ground by direct tuning of the RF and antenna components on board the underground wireless sensor.

In other instances, certain wireless sensing devices may not be able to adapt their tuning in close to real time to match the soil conditions.

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